Well, some/many schools conducted feasibility studies on FBS over a decade ago. I don’t know if it makes some of those schools good bets for potential upgrades. The landscape has changed so much.

There are those we would think are still there because of previous pursuits, like EKU. But, what if SBC was their only possible way up and the conference told them all the issues or upgrades needed to facilities and other infrastructure they’d like to see? EKU could be like name-dropping UMKC for MVC consideration. Sure, they got a look once. Maybe not ever again? EKU can’t do what Liberty is doing. Now, if ASun does a move-up to FBS as a whole, okay. Otherwise? I don’t think they’re high on any lists.

Stony Brook ran that big fundraising campaign, but the big donor dollars never came in. The school tried to pull a Colorado State and get the state to earmark funds to get the stadium renovation to that desired level, but the NY governor nixed that. While it doesn’t mean Stony’s chances are shot, they aren’t move-in ready, either. Then again, Coastal football wasn’t, either. I suspect Stony is MAC or bust, but, could be the MAC can be much pickier this time?

(09-21-2021 04:58 AM)The Cutter of Bish Wrote:  Well, some/many schools conducted feasibility studies on FBS over a decade ago. I don’t know if it makes some of those schools good bets for potential upgrades. The landscape has changed so much.

There are those we would think are still there because of previous pursuits, like EKU. But, what if SBC was their only possible way up and the conference told them all the issues or upgrades needed to facilities and other infrastructure they’d like to see? EKU could be like name-dropping UMKC for MVC consideration. Sure, they got a look once. Maybe not ever again? EKU can’t do what Liberty is doing. Now, if ASun does a move-up to FBS as a whole, okay. Otherwise? I don’t think they’re high on any lists.

Stony Brook ran that big fundraising campaign, but the big donor dollars never came in. The school tried to pull a Colorado State and get the state to earmark funds to get the stadium renovation to that desired level, but the NY governor nixed that. While it doesn’t mean Stony’s chances are shot, they aren’t move-in ready, either. Then again, Coastal football wasn’t, either. I suspect Stony is MAC or bust, but, could be the MAC can be much pickier this time?

The only credible information about ASUN and WAC schools moving up to FBS is for them to move up as a conference. A few of these schools might draw attention from other conferences but I’ve not seen that option mentioned anywhere.

(09-21-2021 06:24 AM)OscarWildeCat Wrote:  

(09-21-2021 04:58 AM)The Cutter of Bish Wrote:  Well, some/many schools conducted feasibility studies on FBS over a decade ago. I don’t know if it makes some of those schools good bets for potential upgrades. The landscape has changed so much.

There are those we would think are still there because of previous pursuits, like EKU. But, what if SBC was their only possible way up and the conference told them all the issues or upgrades needed to facilities and other infrastructure they’d like to see? EKU could be like name-dropping UMKC for MVC consideration. Sure, they got a look once. Maybe not ever again? EKU can’t do what Liberty is doing. Now, if ASun does a move-up to FBS as a whole, okay. Otherwise? I don’t think they’re high on any lists.

Stony Brook ran that big fundraising campaign, but the big donor dollars never came in. The school tried to pull a Colorado State and get the state to earmark funds to get the stadium renovation to that desired level, but the NY governor nixed that. While it doesn’t mean Stony’s chances are shot, they aren’t move-in ready, either. Then again, Coastal football wasn’t, either. I suspect Stony is MAC or bust, but, could be the MAC can be much pickier this time?

The only credible information about ASUN and WAC schools moving up to FBS is for them to move up as a conference. A few of these schools might draw attention from other conferences but I’ve not seen that option mentioned anywhere.

Yeah. And I wouldn’t bet on the collective move-up, but, who knows. Maybe my guess is off about EKU following the Liberty route to FBS independence, but, regardless, I don’t have EKU as highly likely to move up, despite the recent attempt to. I suspect it gets even harder if you do see JMU move, or see the Dakota’s attempt to (I think both NDSU and SDSU could), or Mo State. Schools who could have more than one place to land.

https://katv.com/sports/content/central-...lantic-sun

UCA AD speaking about FBS

https://www.itemonline.com/sports/sam-ho...780e0.html

Sam Houston AD

https://greensboro.com/sports/college/nc...6946a.html

NC A&T

I think there's a non zero chance we see the WAC move up in bulk as a new/renewed FBS conference. Starting next year they'll have 7 FCS and 1 FBS member with UTRGV coming in a few years. The NMSU connection/continuity to a former FBS league helps too. I think the NCAA would probably approve it to avoid a lawsuit just like they did with Liberty.

(09-21-2021 08:22 AM)Gamecock Wrote:  I think there's a non zero chance we see the WAC move up in bulk as a new/renewed FBS conference. Starting next year they'll have 7 FCS and 1 FBS member with UTRGV coming in a few years. The NMSU connection/continuity to a former FBS league helps too. I think the NCAA would probably approve it to avoid a lawsuit just like they did with Liberty.

Those in the WAC believe no new approval is necessary. In their view the WAC is simply an inactive FBS conference that can be activated when they give a sufficient number of teams.

There's not much downside for the rest of FBS if the WAC moves up - the only question might be is if any Big Sky or Big West schools take the plunge. The Mountain West and Pac 12 are limited on regional opponents - although if the Mountain West takes enough losses, a school like Montana might be back in the conversation. Even if the WAC remains Texas-centric, going to Texas beats going even further east for a game

(09-21-2021 04:10 AM)BigEastMike Wrote:  

(09-21-2021 02:01 AM)Fresno St. Alum Wrote:  

(09-20-2021 07:46 PM)DavidSt Wrote:  

(09-20-2021 12:41 PM)BirdstheWord Wrote:  

(09-20-2021 02:47 AM)DavidSt Wrote:  So, all the schools in the ASUN and WAC going to FBS.

EKU
Jacksonville State
Kennesaw State
Austin Peay State
UCA
North Alabama

Lamar
Sam Houston State
SFAU
Dixie State
Abilene Christian
Tarleton State
Southern Utah
UTRGV

Schools that mentioned going to FBS?
Delaware
James Madison
North Dakota State
Chattanooga
North Carolina A&T
Youngstown State
Stony Brook
Northern Iowa
Dayton

Other targets that showed signs they are upgrading their facilities, or targets.
Missouri State
South Dakota State
Sacramento State
Towson
Illinois State
Indiana State
Murray State
Tennessee State
North Florida
VCU
Long Beach State
UTA
Milwaukee

D2 schools with bigger plans for their facilities?
West Texas A&M
Central Oklahoma

People forgot that the A10 is looking at sponsering FBS football.

I think Long Beach State and Milwaukee need a football program before they can upgrade their football program.

And I can only speak for myself, but I don't want ISU to move up.

UTA is already in an FBS.
Long Beach State have been looking at joining the MWC, but they said they have to restart their program.
Milwaukee is looking into adding football, and they could be a MAC target if they do.
VCU have been looking at football. They might be able to slip into the AAC ahead of ODU.
North Florida have been on the list for SBC if they add football.

The ones in green are the only ones where I remember hearing credible rumors/interest of moving up

I recall some talk of Mizz St about 10 years ago

I wasn't sure on Mo St. if it was just us talking on here or if they actually looked into it.

(09-21-2021 10:21 AM)OscarWildeCat Wrote:  

(09-21-2021 08:22 AM)Gamecock Wrote:  I think there's a non zero chance we see the WAC move up in bulk as a new/renewed FBS conference. Starting next year they'll have 7 FCS and 1 FBS member with UTRGV coming in a few years. The NMSU connection/continuity to a former FBS league helps too. I think the NCAA would probably approve it to avoid a lawsuit just like they did with Liberty.

Those in the WAC believe no new approval is necessary. In their view the WAC is simply an inactive FBS conference that can be activated when they give a sufficient number of teams.

That’s probably how it will happen. And the NCAA will probably acquiesce

(09-21-2021 08:30 PM)chargeradio Wrote:  There's not much downside for the rest of FBS if the WAC moves up - the only question might be is if any Big Sky or Big West schools take the plunge. The Mountain West and Pac 12 are limited on regional opponents - although if the Mountain West takes enough losses, a school like Montana might be back in the conversation. Even if the WAC remains Texas-centric, going to Texas beats going even further east for a game

Exactly. It’s easy to see the PAC and MWC being in favor of this. Makes non conference scheduling a whole lot easier

(09-21-2021 04:58 AM)The Cutter of Bish Wrote:  Well, some/many schools conducted feasibility studies on FBS over a decade ago. I don’t know if it makes some of those schools good bets for potential upgrades. The landscape has changed so much.

There are those we would think are still there because of previous pursuits, like EKU. But, what if SBC was their only possible way up and the conference told them all the issues or upgrades needed to facilities and other infrastructure they’d like to see? EKU could be like name-dropping UMKC for MVC consideration. Sure, they got a look once. Maybe not ever again? EKU can’t do what Liberty is doing. Now, if ASun does a move-up to FBS as a whole, okay. Otherwise? I don’t think they’re high on any lists.

Stony Brook ran that big fundraising campaign, but the big donor dollars never came in. The school tried to pull a Colorado State and get the state to earmark funds to get the stadium renovation to that desired level, but the NY governor nixed that. While it doesn’t mean Stony’s chances are shot, they aren’t move-in ready, either. Then again, Coastal football wasn’t, either. I suspect Stony is MAC or bust, but, could be the MAC can be much pickier this time?

There will be room for EKU in the Belt once App, GaSt, Louisiana and Coastal leave for CUSA.

(09-22-2021 08:32 AM)BKTopper Wrote:  

(09-21-2021 04:58 AM)The Cutter of Bish Wrote:  Well, some/many schools conducted feasibility studies on FBS over a decade ago. I don’t know if it makes some of those schools good bets for potential upgrades. The landscape has changed so much.

There are those we would think are still there because of previous pursuits, like EKU. But, what if SBC was their only possible way up and the conference told them all the issues or upgrades needed to facilities and other infrastructure they’d like to see? EKU could be like name-dropping UMKC for MVC consideration. Sure, they got a look once. Maybe not ever again? EKU can’t do what Liberty is doing. Now, if ASun does a move-up to FBS as a whole, okay. Otherwise? I don’t think they’re high on any lists.

Stony Brook ran that big fundraising campaign, but the big donor dollars never came in. The school tried to pull a Colorado State and get the state to earmark funds to get the stadium renovation to that desired level, but the NY governor nixed that. While it doesn’t mean Stony’s chances are shot, they aren’t move-in ready, either. Then again, Coastal football wasn’t, either. I suspect Stony is MAC or bust, but, could be the MAC can be much pickier this time?

There will be room for EKU in the Belt once App, GaSt, Louisiana and Coastal leave for CUSA.

(09-22-2021 08:32 AM)BKTopper Wrote:  

(09-21-2021 04:58 AM)The Cutter of Bish Wrote:  Well, some/many schools conducted feasibility studies on FBS over a decade ago. I don’t know if it makes some of those schools good bets for potential upgrades. The landscape has changed so much.

There are those we would think are still there because of previous pursuits, like EKU. But, what if SBC was their only possible way up and the conference told them all the issues or upgrades needed to facilities and other infrastructure they’d like to see? EKU could be like name-dropping UMKC for MVC consideration. Sure, they got a look once. Maybe not ever again? EKU can’t do what Liberty is doing. Now, if ASun does a move-up to FBS as a whole, okay. Otherwise? I don’t think they’re high on any lists.

Stony Brook ran that big fundraising campaign, but the big donor dollars never came in. The school tried to pull a Colorado State and get the state to earmark funds to get the stadium renovation to that desired level, but the NY governor nixed that. While it doesn’t mean Stony’s chances are shot, they aren’t move-in ready, either. Then again, Coastal football wasn’t, either. I suspect Stony is MAC or bust, but, could be the MAC can be much pickier this time?

There will be room for EKU in the Belt once App, GaSt, Louisiana and Coastal leave for CUSA.

The Fun Belt has surpassed CUSA in conference pecking order. They have a TV deal with much more visibility and better programs.

The thing that i find interesting about a FBS WAC is the idea that that conference would move up together. Many of the current WAC football schools really have no proven track record of being able to fund or sustain any type of FBS ovations. If the WAC was to decide that they wanted to make the BEST FBS conference available it could be possible that they could dump a few schools and add other schools.... What if the WAC and Summit/MVFC decided to change dance partners...

South Division:
Sam Houston *
GCU
NM State *
Oral Roberts
Denver
Omaha


North Division:
NDSU *
SDSU *
UND*
Montana *
Montana State *
St. Thomas

The schools with the * indicate football playing schools. Now each of these schools certainly have the resources/ability to make the move to FBS if they thought that FCS football was no longer in their best interest.

Currently sitting at 7 football schools, that is clearly not enough. The conference could expand further to find more schools OR in the future a school like St. Thomas (with great resources) could become the 8th school and stay at 12 schools.

From a men's basketball standpoint, this conference would also be a very good mid-major conference.

I would think you need another Texas school to pull that off (probably Stephen F. Austin or Lamar). Had the Dakota schools gone D-I sooner, it's possible the WAC could have grabbed them during the 2011-2013 realignment

Denver left the WAC because of GCU, so they'd never share a conference together, but that frees up your spot for a second Texas school.

Of course, had the WAC been able to take all four Dakota schools to FBS nearly a decade ago, there might be other schools like Idaho or Montana in the league. The Summit would have been in serious trouble with Southern Utah, Western Illinois, UMKC, IPFW, and IUPUI, at least until SUU and the Indiana schools bail. Obviously depending on timing, Omaha and St. Thomas weren't available, so it's possible the WAC could have killed the Summit outright. Most likely the Summit takes Houston Baptist (until they bail), Utah Valley and UTPA (now UTRGV), Chicago State, Seattle, and NJIT (until they bail).

2012 time period when Lamar applied for the WAC for FBS, they got rejected. At the same time, both Sam Houston State and SFAU were looking at studying in going FBS as well.

At that time, a beat writer for the WAC mentioned about Denver and Seattle could add FBS football. But, it was said that the WAC and an unnamed FCS conference would merge to keep WAC FBS conference. That said conference was the MVFC minus North Dakota and South Dakota at the time. The only way for this to happened was that Idaho needed to be booted from the conference. Northern Iowa just after that news broke, the AD said they want to go FBS.

What would WAC looked like if this came through?
New Mexico State
San Jose State
Texas State
UTSA
Lamar
Sam Houston State
Seattle U. *
Denver*
UTA*
North Dakota State
South Dakota State
Western Illinois
Northern Iowa #
Missouri State #
Southern Illinois #
Indiana State #
Youngstown State #

* non-football
#football only

You would have 12 full members and 6 football only members.

San Jose State leaves for MWC.
Texas State and UTA leaves for SBC.
Denver leaves for Summit.
UTSA leaves for C-USA.

I would grab SFAU, CSU-Bakersfield, Wichita State, Northern Iowa and Missouri State as full members. I may grab Utah Valley as well.

Some of the posters on the MWC message board have suggested that Montana and Montana State might be the two FCS-to-FBS schools that they would be interested in.

NDSU has also been mentioned as a possibility, maybe as a potential FB member.

(09-23-2021 04:31 AM)Milwaukee Wrote:  Some of the posters on the MWC message board have suggested that Montana and Montana State might be the two FCS-to-FBS schools that they would be interested in.

NDSU has also been mentioned as a possibility, maybe as a potential FB member.

I can't see two teams from a small population state being added. Montana and the two Dakota States would be a nice new wing of the MWC.

I'm all for well run FCS programs with dedicated fanbases in areas without FBS teams making the jump. Delaware is another who checks the first two boxes and could be a decent G5 program in a regional G5 with VA and Carolina programs.